Getting Lost Anchorage AK

the fear of the unknown drives us to prepare trips down to the smallest detail. But what happens if you get lost? Informative section on what to do when you are lost. Please read on for more detailed information in the following article.

Getting Lost

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Lost in the Woods

Is it too soon to panic?

Even with a compass and a detailed map, the best hikers can get hopelessly lost. Sudden fog can make it impossible to see your feet, let alone the trail. Swollen rivers can wash out well-worn routes, and - let's face it - sometimes it just happens. If you find yourself off, off, off-course, be sure you stop as soon as you realize your situation. Heed the advice on the cover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and “Don't Panic!” While getting lost in backcountry is unnerving, having a meltdown will make the situation worse.

If you left your hiking itinerary with park rangers, friends or family, there's little to reason to panic. Once you miss your return deadline a search-and-rescue team will set out to find you. Sounds wimpy? Don't think of this as an unnecessary precaution taken only by amateurs. We're pretty sure Aron Ralston would give his right arm to be given a chance to correct that oversight.

Lost and Found

Are you lost or just temporarily confused? As soon as you think you've strayed off-course, try to re-orient yourself . If, between your map, compass and all the Boy Scout tricks you can recall, you still can't find your position on the map, consider yourself officially lost. Remember to:

Stay put. If you've left an itinerary behind, rescuers begin by mapping out a grid to search. Every step you take outside that grid means they have to broaden the area of coverage. And the more you move, the thinner their resources will be spread and the less likely you are to be found quickly.

Stay together. If you're with others, don't split up. Rescuers will have an easier time finding one stray party than two. What's more, friends keep each other calm, entertained and warm if the temperature drops.

Stay warm and dry. If possible, wait for rescuers while sheltered from wind and rain. Just make sure you aren't so sheltered that you can't be found.

Be noticeable. If you're in the woods, hang a bright piece of clothing on a branch. If you're out in the open, use rocks or sticks to make an arrow pointing to your location, or spell out “S.O.S.” Got tinfoil, coins or reflective material in your pack? Set them out where search lights can catch them.

Light up. If you hear rescuers, use a flashlight to draw their attention.

Make noise. Not only will this frighten off wild animals, it will help alert rescuers. Use your whistle . Its piercing sound travels further tha...